West Hartford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 (2026) § 81-3
Determination of excessive rent (West Hartford Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the Fair Rent Commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation: A. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality. B. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question. C. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof. D. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein. E. The size and number of bedrooms contained therein. F. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein. G. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses thereof. H. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the Town of West Hartford and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut relating to health and safety. I. The income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations. J. The availability of utilities. K. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear. L. The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges. M. Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.
West Hartford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 § 81-3 establishes the framework the Fair Rent Commission uses to decide whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The Commission weighs a broad set of factors—ranging from comparable rents in the area and the physical condition of the unit to tax burdens, utility availability, and whether rent-increase revenue is reinvested in improvements. No single factor is automatically decisive; the Commission applies whichever of the listed circumstances are relevant to the type of housing at issue.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under West Hartford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 § 81-3, operators who maintain well-documented records tend to be better positioned before the Fair Rent Commission. Compliant operators generally keep records of comparable market rents, capital improvements, tax and overhead costs, and the condition of sanitary facilities, since these are among the factors the Commission is directed to weigh. Demonstrating that rent-increase revenue has been or will be reinvested in the accommodations is one of the enumerated considerations the Commission may find relevant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
West Hartford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 § 81-3 gives tenants a basis to petition the Fair Rent Commission if they believe a current rent charge or a proposed increase is harsh and unconscionable. The Commission is required to consider factors such as the sanitary condition of the unit, necessary repairs, compliance with health and safety laws, and the frequency of past increases—all of which a tenant may raise in a proceeding. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may contact the West Hartford Fair Rent Commission directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about the complaint process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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